Kenyan rapper and social impact advocate Juliani has ignited national debate after speaking out against the government’s approach to governance, particularly its tendency to impose centralized plans on citizens. In a recent social media post, he strongly opposed the idea of a state that seeks to dictate the direction of people’s lives, instead calling for leadership that empowers individuals to follow their own paths.
Juliani emphasized that he, like millions of Kenyans, already has personal ambitions and plans. Rather than government-imposed strategies, what people need is support and protection to pursue their goals. He argued that citizens understand what they want to achieve and should be given the space and freedom to do so, without interference from the state.
According to him, the role of government should not be to design and enforce life blueprints on its people. Instead, it should provide the necessary environment for citizens to thrive by ensuring safety, justice, and the removal of unnecessary obstacles. He believes leadership should focus on enabling rather than hindering individual and collective growth.
Juliani expressed his frustration with systems that hinder rather than help. He criticized rigid frameworks and policies that he believes suppress creativity and innovation, stating that such structures have for too long suffocated progress. What is needed, he said, is a government that dismantles these barriers, not one that adds new ones.
In his words, the demand is simple: a government that safeguards citizens as they pursue their dreams, not one that punishes or silences them for trying. His critique also extended to issues of human rights and justice, which he has recently addressed through his music.
In May 2025, he released a track titled Moyo Wangu, which speaks to the pain of parents who have lost their children to police brutality and enforced disappearances, especially during recent youth-led protests. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the struggle for justice in Kenya. It captures the sorrow and resilience of families still seeking answers and accountability for their losses.
Through this track, Juliani gives voice to the voiceless, expressing the deep emotional toll of state violence while reinforcing the demand for justice. He portrays Moyo Wangu as a reflection of a society grappling with trauma and the need for meaningful change.
In both his activism and music, Juliani continues to challenge authority and advocate for a more inclusive, responsive, and humane government. His message remains clear: leadership should serve the people, not control them.
